If you have a smaller home but live a high-energy lifestyle, then an energetic, small dog may be perfect for you! If a “couch potato” companion would better fit your style of life, then steer clear of Terriers!
Terriers and working dog breeds are among the highest energy level dogs out there. So of course, they need lots of mental and physical exercise to relax them.
Walking, hiking, jogging, playing games and running at the dog park are just some of the activities you can can do with your canine companion to help run down their batteries.
Always remember, you can get any breed of dog you may be looking for at a shelter or local breed specific rescue in your area. Check out these small, high-energy, pure and mixed dog breeds that will fit in a small home and keep you on your toes!
If you’re considering adopting one of these small dog breeds, do a little research. There are so many to choose from. Finding one to fit your lifestyle shouldn’t be too difficult.
Please check your area for breed specific rescues. There are so many amazing dogs just waiting to find their forever homes. You can also try DogTime’s adoption page that lets you search for adoptable dogs by breed and zip code!
Do you have a small, energetic dog at home? Are they one of the breeds on our list? Let us know in the comments below!
Small Dog Breeds With High Energy Levels
-
Affenpinscher
(Picture Credit: Yvonne Van der Horst/Getty Images)
The Affenpinscher, also known as the "Monkey Dog" ("affen" means "ape/monkey" in German, and "pinscher" means "terrier"), is small but feisty, full of spunk and energy.
Find out more about Affenpinschers here!
-
Australian Terrier
(Picture Credit: GraceB11/Getty Images)
The Australian Terrier was developed in Australia, as their name implies. Bred to hunt and exterminate rodents and snakes, Australian Terriers were also prized as watchdogs and companions.
Find out more about Australian Terriers here!
-
Border Terrier
(Picture Credit: Images by Christina Kilgour/Getty Images)
This alert, good-natured dog was originally bred to assist in foxhunts, driving foxes out of their hiding places and out into the open for the hounds to chase.
Find out more about Border Terriers here!
-
Boston Terrier
(Picture Credit: Tereza Jancikova/Getty Images)
Known as the American Gentleman, the Boston Terrier is lively, smart, and affectionate with a gentle, even temperament.
Find out more about Boston Terriers here!
-
Cairn Terrier
(Picture Credit: MATTHEW PALMER/Getty Images)
The Cairn Terrier dog breed is a small working terrier developed on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Farmers used them to rid their property of vermin, and they needed a dog with courage, tenacity, and intelligence — characteristics still found in today’s Cairn.
Find out more about Cairn Terriers here!
-
Fox Terrier
(Picture Credit: EyeWolf/Getty Images)
Fox Terriers were originally bred to flush foxes out of their hiding places during fox hunts. Today they’re primarily family companions and show dogs; although, you’ll occasionally find them in the hunt country of the northeastern United States, still performing their traditional role.
Find out more about Fox Terriers here!
-
Jack Russell Terrier
(Picture Credit: Brighton Dog Photography/Getty Images)
Developed in England some 200 years ago to hunt foxes, the Jack Russell Terrier, also known as the Parson Russell Terrier, is a lively, independent, and clever little dog.
Find out more about Jack Russell Terriers here!
-
Lakeland Terrier
(Picture Credit: animalinfo/Getty Images)
The typical Lakeland is bold and friendly. They're described as having a "cock of the walk" attitude, but they're neither overly aggressive or argumentative. All terrier, they're curious about everything, intelligent, and entertaining.
Find out more about Lakeland Terriers here!
-
Manchester Terrier
(Picture Credit: Robbie Goodall/Getty Images)
A Manchester Terrier adores their people and likes to be with them. A social creature, they're not well suited to being alone all day — they just want to hang out with you.
Find out more about Manchester Terriers here!
-
Miniature Pinscher
(Picture Credit: Tara Gregg / EyeEm/Getty Images)
There's good reason the Min Pin is called the King of Toys. They have a spirited, confident personality that both delights and exasperates their humans. They're fearless, intensely curious, and always ready for action.
Find out more about Miniature Pinschers here!
-
Miniature Schnauzer
(Picture Credit: RoniePeterson/Getty Images)
The Miniature Schnauzer is full of life. An extrovert, they love to be in the thick of the family action. They may even run up to you while you're sitting down and throw their paws around your neck.
Find out more about Miniature Schnauzers here!
-
Norfolk Terrier
(Picture Credit: Christine McCann/Getty Images)
If you're seeking a lively canine companion who's fearless, yet affectionate, the Norfolk Terrier may be the breed for you.
Find out more about Norfolk Terriers here!
-
Norwich Terrier
(Picture Credit: Droidfoto/Getty Images)
The Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest of all the terriers, but what they lack in size, they make up for in personality and drive. This active terrier is a wonderful companion for an active individual or family.
Find out more about Norwich Terriers here!
-
Pocket Beagle
(Picture Credit: American Images Inc/Getty Images)
Expect to give a Pocket Beagle at least an hour of exercise daily. And be warned that this isn't a breed that walks briskly. Beagles mosey, nose to the ground, sniffing out everything around them.
Find out more about Pocket Beagles here!
-
Toy Or Miniature Poodle
(Picture Credit: keshin/Getty Images)
Despite their regal appearance, the Poodle has a goofy streak and loves to play. They're always up for a game of any kind.
Find out more about Poodles here!
-
Schipperke
(Picture Credit: s5iztok/Getty Images)
Curious and clever, the Schipperke dog breed is often nicknamed LBD, for little black devil. They're fearless and devoted, always on guard to protect their family from harm.
Find out more about Schipperkes here!
-
Toy Or Miniature Schnoodle
(Picture Credit: Devon and Cornwall Photography/Getty Images)
What a pistol! Smart, active, and adorable, the Schnoodle has become a popular hybrid dog breed.
Find out more about Schnoodles here!
-
Scottish Terrier
(Picture Credit: Imgorthand/Getty Images)
This short-legged wonder was originally bred to hunt prey such as badgers and foxes, and they have developed into a self-directed and opinionated companion.
Find out more about Scottish Terriers here!
-
Silky Terrier
(Picture Credit: TBoug_/Getty Images)
The Silky Terrier is a friendly, intelligent, spirited, and self-assured dog. True to their hunting roots, they love to chase small animals and won't back down from a fight.
Find out more about Silky Terriers here!
-
Welsh Terrier
(Picture Credit: DevidDO/Getty Images)
They may look like a small Airedale, but the Welsh Terrier has their own personality. It's certainly a strong personality, and no wonder — they were bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and otters.
Find out more about Welsh Terriers here!
